TOP 10 Best things to do in Turks and CAicos
Swimming and kicking back ON Grace Bay Beach
1.
One of the World’s most famous beaches is located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales. This pristine beach is the hallmark of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the recipient of many award, including World Travel Awards’ World’s Leading Beach Destination, and 2nd place in Trip Advisor’s World’s Best Beaches.
The entirety of Grace Bay is excellent and breathtaking, with clean turquoise water, soft white sand with no rocks or seaweed. An extensive barrier reef located about a mile offshore, protects Grace Bay from the ocean swells of the Atlantic, which helps to keep the water at the beach calm, safe and transparent.
Grace Bay is home to many luxury resorts on Providenciales and is part of Princess Alexandra National Park so swimmers are undisturbed by Jetskis.
Our favourite spots are the public entrance near the Sands and the Royal West Indies hotels.
Kiteboarding in Long Bay
2.
Located 5-10 minutes drive from Grace Bay, Long Bay is home to the World’s best spot for learning kiteboarding with warm, clear, turquoise water that is shallow for miles and soft sandy seabed. The conditions are so awesome that this is probably the only place in the world where students have a good chance of getting up on the board on their first lesson, which usually lasts 3 hours, and be comfortable riding after 9-12 hours of lessons, spread over 3-5 days.
Imagine yourself gliding through calm turquoise water, pulled gently by the wind, surrounded by the most luxurious views and you will have the right picture.
It is never crowded, but there are always experienced kiters around to help you feel safe on the beach and in the water. While the sport does not demand a high level of athleticism, it is a great workout for your core and a fantastic way to be out at sea, being powered by the warm Caribbean breeze.
Exploring the Cays by boat
3.
Visit Iguana Cay, Pine Cay, Dallis Cay on one of the full day or half day boat tours
A fantastic way to be out at sea that will appeal to all age groups is on one of the half day or full day boat tours. These usually include a stop at the barrier reef for some snorkelling (gear is provided) followed by visiting the iguanas of Little Water Cay (aka Iguana Cay), and the pristine beaches of Water Cay, Pine Cay and Fort George Cay.
Most of these tours pick up guests on the Grace Bay and Bight beaches outside their resorts, or include complimentary hotel pickup if your accommodations are located elsewhere.
Some boats have slides and diving boats which both adults and children can use. Imagine yourself sliding down one of those into shimmering turquoise water!
Kayaking & LUNCHING in Chalk Sound
4.
Chalk Sound National Park is a highly scenic natural lagoon on the southwest of Providenciales with very shallow and brilliant turquoise water and hundreds of small rocky islands.
Chalk Sound is nearly landlocked, but for a winding channel connecting it to the ocean off the south of Providenciales.
Because of Chalk Sound’s protected status as a national park, powered watercraft use is prohibited. The main attraction for visitors is kayaking and paddleboarding or enjoying lunch Las Brisas which offers spectacular views of the lagoon.
Snorkling in Smith’s reef
5.
Smith’s reef is a beautiful snorkelling site off central Providenciales, where the barrier reef meets the shoreline. It is located near Turtle Cove on the north coast of Providenciales, and about 3.5 miles from Grace Bay. The site is very impressive with coral heads and various species of fish and other marine life and is definitely the best snorkelling spot accessible from the beach.
The larger creatures include green turtles, hawksbill turtles, southern brown stingrays, and spotted eagle rays.
Diving in West CAicos and French Cay
6.
Turks and Caicos have two features that define local diving: the third largest barrier reef in the world and excellent sheer walls. These make for spectacular drop offs and vibrant marine life, with fish, lobster, turtles and rays.
There are many reasons why lovers of the underwater world visit this 40 island chain, not least the excellent visibility, healthy vibrant reefs, shark sightings (nurse sharks, hammerheads, Caribbean reef sharks and tiger sharks), and even pods of humpback whales in season.
While diving on the barrier reef of Providenciales is great, trips out to West Caicos and French Cay offer really incredible experiences.
Horseback riding on the beach
7.
The beaches in the Turks and Caicos offer an amazing setting for horseback riding, with turquoise water, white sand and luxury villas as a backdrop. Riding experience is not necessary as the tours cater to all levels with experienced riders given the opportunity to trot and canter along the beach.
In Long Bay visitors can ride horses in the water, creating some epic photos and memories.
Exploring Caicos Banks on a jetski
8.
Caicos Banks refers to the shallow and extensive marine banks that are found on the underwater plateau that supports the Caicos Islands archipelago. Sheltered by islands and a barrier reef system on each side, the area is about 1700 square miles, with shallow, calm water, mostly under 20 feet deep.
Jetskiing in the Caicos Banks is a fantastic way to enjoy the exquisite shallow turquoise waters of the Caicos Banks as well as visiting some Tiki bars stationed there.
In addition to shimmering turquoise waters there is an awesome shipwreck to visit.
Visiting The Ship Wreck
9.
La Famille Express is a grounded ship, located about two miles off of Long Bay Beach on the southeast side of the island. The vessel started life as an oil rig service ship in the Caspian sea (Soviet Union), named Fort Shevchenko. It was renamed La Famille Express and sailed under Panama flag from 1999, and serving as a regional freighter ship in the Caribbean.
The anchored ship got dragged from the South Dock of Providenciales, some 12 miles west of its current location by Hurricane Frances in 2004. Since then it became a popular tourist attraction and can be accessed by boat or jetski. Kiteboarders, launching from the Long Bay Beach often make the journey out.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve
10.
Imagine your feet in the warm, turquoise Caribbean water, a glass of champagne in your hand, your friends or loved ones next to you and fireworks illuminating the sky and sea around. Now that is a fantastic way to celebrate New Years Eve!
Most hotels along Grace Bay have a midnight firework display that is visible at every point of the beach, making it an unforgettable start to the the year.